Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. Benton. I am sorry to be repetitious, but I must make a point of order similar to that which I have made in the previous two sittings. I have yet to see the new clause that the Government intend to table. Last week, the Minister said that he would try to table it by the beginning of this week, thereby enabling us to discuss it with outside bodies prior to its consideration in Committee next Tuesday, but that if he failed to do so, he would look sympathetically on a request that our deliberations be extended. Have the Government told you, Mr. Benton, when they expect to table the new clause?

Mr Joe Benton (Bootle, Labour)

I have received no such indication, and, strictly speaking, the matter is not a point of order for the Chair. The Minister might like to comment on it, however.

Mr Alan Johnson (Minister of State (Employment and the Regions), Department of Trade and Industry; Kingston upon Hull West & Hessle, Labour)

The normal protocol is that a new clause be laid the week before it is due to be debated, and I hope to be able to present the new clause to members of the Committee by one o'clock today.

Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge, Conservative)

I am grateful to the Minister for that assurance.Clause 2 Statutory paternity pay